Mass Timber Construction Journal

Moisture in CLT/GLT – I have learned it the hard way myself I'll never forget one of my early projects with CLT. We had everything planned down to the smallest detail – but one thing we underestimated: moisture. We got the elements delivered, but the weather was not with us. Rain, wind – and no proper cover. After a few days, we began to see the first signs of mold. It was an eye-opener. We had to spend extra time and money drying down the wood, testing the moisture content and ensuring that the structure was healthy before we could close the building. Since then, I have made moisture strategy a main priority in all my projects. I have learned that a good moisture strategy does not start when the elements are on the construction site – it starts already in the design phase: Planning of assembly so that the elements are exposed for the shortest possible time. Temporary covering and effective drainage of water. Measurement of moisture content before and after installation. Use of diffusion-open surfaces so that the wood can dry naturally. Wood is great – but only if we treat it right. Have you experienced challenges with moisture in CLT/GLT construction? How did you solve it?

Take notice of the extreme detail and coordination it took to fabricate each unique plank. The 1000s of stud and MEP penetrations were precisely fabricated in Canada based on the team's coordination, craftsmanship, and extreme attention to detail. Then, shipped to Hershey to set right in place. Following that, steel erection for the next floor steadily chases the CLT plank across the building.

The modern apartments have taken six years to realise, but they’re looking stunning. Will Nelson people embrace city-edge apartment living? Features Cross-laminated timber construction Designed by RM Designs, and Aaron Walton Architecture Two colour schemes – "Umber" with auburn and black tones, or "Chalk" with warm whites and soft browns, both with brass accents; One-bedroom apartments have a covered park, two-bedroom apartments have one under-cover parking space, while the penthouse apartments have two parking spaces each. EV charging stations Powered bike racks (for e-bikes). Paul Brockie, one of the building’s first residents, moved in last month and jokes that he was welcomed that night by opera and fireworks: The apartments overlook Nelson’s Trafalgar Park, where the annual Opera in The Park was taking place. Brockie, 63, and his partner Paige Erskine have bought a two-bedroom 94m² (plus 29m² of decks) apartment, and are thrilled with their move. “I’ve done my time chopping wood and mowing lawns,” Brockie, the managing director of insulation company Absolute Energy, says. “I thoroughly enjoyed that and now I’m thoroughly enjoying not having to: I’m starting to look at retirement and easing back. “The location was also perfect, being CBD.” Erskine walks six minutes to her work now, saving her an early drive to secure a park and giving her back an hour and a half every day. https://lnkd.in/gjP7PxRm

The world of mass timber construction continues to expand in exciting directions as groundbreaking projects push the boundaries of sustainable building. Paul Kremer delivers the latest innovations and developments from this rapidly evolving industry that's transforming our built environment. Listen Here: https://lnkd.in/gf-43Cjb Portland International Airport's Phase 2 construction is making headlines with spectacular timber roof modules being installed in a feat of engineering precision. These impressive structures, captured in stunning videos shared by Skanska's Business Development Manager, showcase timber's capabilities in large-scale infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, in London, renowned architects War Thistleton have unveiled "Treehouse" – a Norwegian-inspired timber-framed office building that combines natural materials with biodiverse landscaping to meet evolving workplace needs. Canada's commitment to sustainable construction is evident with multiple timber projects underway. From a 2,000 square foot National Car Rental facility in Trenton built entirely with mass timber to a $6 million federal investment in green construction initiatives across Ontario, including a pioneering 8-story all-wood residential building in Toronto. Perhaps most surprising is the US military's embrace of mass timber and 3D printing technology for future facilities, recognizing benefits in cost reduction, logistics efficiency, and even specialized applications for "unconventional countermeasures." Join us next week for more updates from the world of mass timber construction. The International Mass Timber Conference is just days away – secure your tickets now to connect with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and submit your manuscripts to our International Mass Timber Journal to become part of this growing global community transforming construction through sustainable timber solutions.

Generator Pipiri Lane: $3.3b landlord Precinct’s first cross-laminated timber development The Flowers Building (centre, covered in scaffolding) is on Halsey St and part of Precinct Properties' Wynyard Quayside. Right is the new Beca House and left is the existing John Lysaght building. Photo / Precinct Properties Hawkins is nearing completion of Precinct Properties’ first cross-laminated timber building in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, refurbishing a heritage structure and building up and out behind it to create what is to be called Generator Pipiri Lane. Scott Pritchard, Precinct chief executive, said the mass timber structure design was picked https://lnkd.in/g8ZnKAdm

Mass Timber and 3D Printing: US Military’s Future for Building Facilities Traditional construction methods in the US military have long relied on concrete and steel — materials that offer durability but are increasingly more expensive and logistically challenging. To address these issues, the military is now exploring innovative construction solutions like mass timber and 3D printing to build facilities faster and at a lower cost. 3D printing uses digital designs to create building components layer by layer, while mass timber bonds layers of wood to create strong, sustainable materials for construction. According to Dave Morrow, director of military programs for the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), these innovative solutions will ensure American troops have “the best facilities in the world” and that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. “Additive construction has potential to reduce costs, manpower, logistics, and time, while opening the door for improved and new applications, such as unconventional countermeasures,” he told US lawmakers. 3D printing has already begun at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and Fort Bliss in Texas for the construction of new barracks. Mass Timber Alongside 3D printing, Morrow revealed that USACE is working on several projects involving mass timber projects. “We recently designed the Army’s first barracks made primarily with mass timber structural elements,” he stated, adding that incorporating mass timber designs can reduce overall construction timelines. The US Navy is also testing this solution, using cross-laminated timber to construct a new child development center in Virginia. https://lnkd.in/g6SGy3vb

Amid growing interest in sustainable construction, CHYBIK + KRISTOF is advancing the position of timber architecture in Central Europe. Titled Forestry in the Forest, the project will serve as the new headquarters for the Czech National Forestry in Hradec Králové and become the Czech Republic‘s largest wooden structure in an effort to shift industry norms and position timber as a viable material for large-scale development.   The complex is envisioned as a cluster of five elongated timber volumes — each serving a different department — connected through a central hall. As the modules extend outward, drawing views of the foliage in, planned courtyards are woven through providing additional functional and transitional spaces that strengthen the connection between the offices and the surroundings. Within, a multidimensional ‘learning landscape’ is configured, comprising workspaces that foster both open and quieter collaboration. https://lnkd.in/eZCncdMX

Glencar has been selected as the main contractor for Trehus, a sustainable timber-framed office building in Maidenhead, Thames Valley, England. The 79,200ft² commercial development structure aims for net-zero carbon emissions and seeks to achieve both Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology Outstanding and WELL Platinum certifications. Developed by HUB, a progressive developer, and investor partner Smedvig, Trehus received unanimous approval from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead local council for its futureproof design. https://lnkd.in/geWUkMkX

Sapling’s Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) structure, wrapped in woodfibre insulation and Weathertex and Abodo cladding ensures that the sustainable ethos of this dwelling continues to its core, resulting in a negative Global Warming Potential of approximately -0.03kg CO2 eq. Sapling’s CLT core is accompanied by high performance and low impact products, materials and finishes including low VOC paints, benchtops utilising recycled materials, cork flooring, cork and rubber stair lining, recycled timber window reveals and carbon neutral concrete. The home provides a sanctuary for its inhabitants; a healthy home that supports their health and well-being, while minimising its impact on the environment. https://lnkd.in/gf2-p87s

The federal government has announced $6 million for four green construction and technology initiatives across Ontario, aimed at promoting the use of low-carbon and processed wood materials. The funding includes more than $900,000 for Assembly Corp. to develop a seismic system and design for a 62-unit, all-wood residential building in Toronto. The eight-storey, mixed-use rental building will serve as a model for future projects across several sites, advancing sustainable construction practices that reduce the environmental impact of the industry. “Thanks to NRCAN’s support, we’re able to create an efficient and sustainable eight-storey panelized wood building product,” said Geoff Cape, CEO of Assembly Corp. “This design is a repeatable solution that can be applied to various purpose-built rental sites, with prefabricated construction methods significantly reducing timelines and addressing Canada’s housing needs.” In Barrie, Sean Mason Homes will receive $1 million for the Rainwater Condominium project, a five-storey, 38-unit development using a hybrid timber-and-steel system. The project aims to deliver a cost-effective and sustainable model for mid-rise and higher buildings, with a focus on scalability for future developments in the area. https://lnkd.in/g-C4q_EF